Nearly Lear

Susanna Hamnett

What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told by the King's closet companion - his own fool? This is Nearly Lear. Seen through the eyes of the Lear's devoted clown, Norris (who, in good Shakespearean tradition, is actually Noreen disguised as a boy), the story is not only poignant and tragic, but also mischievous, tender and achingly funny.

An emotional roller-coster rider that will entrance both lovers of Shakespeare as well as newcomers to the Bard. Nearly Lear confounds expectations of what a Shakespeare play 'should' be and uses exuberant storytelling, music and film, as well as Shakespeare's magnificent text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story.

Adapted from Shakespeare by Susanna Hamnett and Edith Tankus.
Original development in association with Kneehigh Theatre, England.

Artist Bio

Susanna Hamnett is an actor and clown who has worked across England, Europe and Canada. Her passion for Shakespeare and Clown, together with her skill as a performer, make Nearly Lear relevant and inspiring for audiences of all ages.

Show Quotes

"When Susanna Hamnett rushes onstage, there is reason to cheer" - Glenn Sumi, NOW Magazine

"Compelling, gripping theatre" - NOW Magazine NNNN (4/5 stars)

"Both gentle and devastating at the same time" - CBC Radio